Launcher with Internal Variable Velocity Valve System

ABSTRACT

A launcher with a digital range finder that controls the operation of a variable velocity control valve that controls the flow of compressed air delivered to the breech. The launcher includes internal air chamber that fills with compressed air and a restrictor plate housing located on one end of the air chamber. The housing includes a center bore axially aligned with the air chamber. Located inside the center bore is a motorized restrictor plate configured to permit or block the flow of air from the air chamber into the breech. During operation, distance readings from the range finder are processed by a main microprocessor into motor signals that selective rotate the restrictor plate to control the flow of pressurized air and control the distance the projectile travels. In a second embodiment, the launcher is used with a computer controlled ballistic that includes a secondary microprocessor coupled to the main processor that triggers a secondary explosion inside the projectile after being launched.

This Non-provisional patent application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application (Application No. 62/558,000) filed on Sep. 13, 2017.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Notice is given that the following patent document contains original material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile or digital download reproduction of all or part of the patent document, but otherwise reserves all copyrights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to ballistic launchers with digital range finders, and more particularly, to such ballistic launchers that automatically adjust the velocity the round travels to the intended target based on readings from the range finder.

2. Description of the Problem and Prior Art

Non-lethal launchers, both pneumatic and gun powder-based to shoot projectiles, such as tear gas cartridges, pepper spray cartridges, stun ammo or smoke cartridges. More recently, electro muscular incapacitation ammunition has been developed that shoots an electronic projectile which delivers a high voltage, low amperage shock that immobilizes an individual upon impact.

The projectiles used in a non-lethal launcher vary in weight and size. Most launchers use a preset pressure or charge to deliver a desired type of projectile at a safe velocity. Some pneumatic launchers have adjustable regulators that allow the launchers to be set up prior to use for a specific velocity of the projectile. In gun powder-based launchers, the ammunition must be exchanged to provide a different velocity for the projectile.

During use, multiple targets are often presented to the operator which may be stationary or moving. If moving the target may be advancing towards the operator or retreating from the operator. Sometimes, the operator may be moving towards or away from the target. In each instance, the distance the projectile travels is changed.

When controlling a crowd, operators may have to shoot different types of projectiles at different distances. If each launcher is setup for use with a round that delivers one type of projectile, it may not be safely used with another type of round that delivers another type of projectile.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,719,751, issued Aug. 1, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein, teaches a variable velocity pneumatic launcher that controls the velocity of the projectile from the launcher. By controlling the exit velocity of the projectile from the launcher, the distance traveled and the force exerted by the projectile on the target may be controlled.

Stun grenades produce a blinding light or loud nouns to temporarily disable combatants, criminals or protesters. Because they contain hot chemicals that can cause severe burns or fires, they must be detonated away from individuals or other combustible structures. Because different launchers shot grenades at different distances and at different exit velocities, launchers that can be adjusted to shoot stun grenades at different distance and exit velocities with built in timer for detonations would be desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A launcher with a digital range finder that controls the operation of a variable velocity control valve inside the launcher that controls the flow of pressurized air delivered to the breech holding a round. The launcher includes a main body with a built-in trigger assembly, an external pressurized air input port configured to attach to an external pressurized air source, an internal pressurize air conduit system that delivers pressurized air from the air source to an internal air chamber. Mounted on the top surface of the main body is a longitudinally aligned rail. The rail includes a front section that extends forward from the main body. Attached to and extending below the rail is a sliding breech. Attached to the top surface of the main body or to the rail is a modified digital range finder.

Mounted inside the main body and in front of the air chamber is a restrictor plate housing with a center bore. Located inside the restrictor plate housing is a restrictor plate configured to rotate around its vertical axis. The restriction plate is configured to close the center bore when the restrictor plate is transversely aligned inside the center bore. The restrictor plate is coupled to a drive motor that selectively rotates the restrictor plate 90 degrees. When the restrictor plate is rotated to an open position (i.e. when the restrictor plate is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the center bore), substantially all of the pressurized air delivered to the air chamber can flow through the restrictor plate housing's center bore. When the restrictor plate is rotated to a closed position, (i.e. when the restrictor plate is transversely aligned in the center bore), 50 to 95% flow of the pressurized air in the center bore is blocked.

In the preferred embodiment, the drive motor is configured to rotate the restrictor plate at angle between 0 to 90 degrees.

Attached to the distal end of the breech is a front barrel section. During use, the breech and front barrel section slide forward and rearward as a unit relative to the main body. The bores inside the breech and the barrel sections are longitudinally aligned with the center bore formed on the restrictor plate housing. By sliding the breech and barrel section forward or rearward over the rail, the breech can be selectively opened to enable a round to be inserted into the breech. When the breech slides rearward, a breech lock holds the breech rearward. The end cap on the round located inside the breech is positioned adjacent to the center bore formed on the restrictor plate housing.

After the round has been placed in the launcher, the operator then uses the range finder to aim the launcher at the desired target. The range finder is configured to determine the distance from the launcher to the target. When the desired distance is determined, the distance readings from the range finder are processed and converted into motor signals by a main microprocessor located on the range finder. The signals from the main microprocessor are then delivered via a USB port interface to a drive motor mounted on the restrictor plate housing. The drive motor is configured to rotate the restrictor plate the amount needed allows sufficient pressurized air to flow through the restrictor plate housing center bore and against the end cap of the round and propel the projectile to the target. Also mounted on the range finder is a battery that energizes the range finder, the main microprocessor and the driver motor.

In should be understood, that the launcher can be used with standard round that include an outer shell, an end cap, and a projectile attached to the end cap. The projectile may be solid structure or may include an interior cavity filled with an explosive or marking or smoke producing material. One advantage of the invention is that operator can not only shoot the projectile at target from different distances but also reduce the velocity of the projectile when it hits the target and thereby reduce injuries.

During operation, compressed air travels through the center bore in the restrictor plate housing, through the end cap and pushes against the proximal end of the projectile.

The above launcher, however, may also be used with a modified computer-controlled round designed to be detonate at a specific time after launching or at a specific distance from the launcher. The computer-controlled rounds include a modified end cap configured to receive digital distance related signals from the main microprocessor with a secondary microprocessor configured to receive data from the main microprocessor. The computer-controlled round also includes a velocity sensor used to determine the velocity of the projectile as it travels through the barrel. In one embodiment, the velocity sensor are two hall sensors attached to the end cap and two sets of magnets spaced apart a known distance inside the bore of the barrel. When the round is discharged, the projectile and the two hall sensors travel down the barrel bore and pass the two sets of magnets to determine the time needed to travel between the two sets of magnets.

A software program on the secondary microprocessor, after receiving the distance information from the range finder, then determines the precise time when the projectile will be at the desired located for detonation. When the precise time is reached, a detonation signal is then sent from the secondary microprocessor to the explosive or gas cannister inside the projectile.

In both embodiments, grooves are formed on the outside surface of the outer shell that engage rifling grooves formed on the inside surface of the barrel. In another embodiment, the hall sensors, the two sets of magnets on the barrel and the distance calculation software program loaded into the second microprocessor are replaced by rotation sensors mounted on the projectile and a rotation-timing software program configured to discharge the projectile when the projectile is rotated a calculated number of times. During operation, the rotation sensors determine the rate of rotation of the projectile as the projectile travels through the bore of the barrel. Because second microprocessor receives target distance information from the range finder and calculates the rate of rotation, the second microprocessor can then calculate the number of rotations that will occur before detonation. When the maximum rotations are reaches, detonation signal is then sent from the second microprocessor to the explosive cavity inside the projectile.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the launcher disclosed herein with a laser range finder showing the breech in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the launcher disclosed herein with a laser range finder showing the breech in an open position with a round inserted into the breech.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the launcher showing the round aligned with the restrictor plate housing and showing the breech in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the main body of the launcher showing a round located adjacent to the restrictor plate housing and showing and the digital range finder removed.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the breech attached to the barrel with the breech being axially aligned with the restrictor plate housing and showing the rail attached over the breech.

FIG. 6 is a partial, perspective view of the main body of the launcher showing the mounting bracket on the top surface of the main body, showing the breech removed, showing the restrictor plate housing attached to the front surface of the main body, and a round positioned in front of the restrictor plate housing.

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of round aligned with a modified laser range finder, and the restrictor plate housing.

FIG. 8 is a sectional, side elevational view of a standard round.

FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of a computer-controlled round similar to the view shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an assembled computer-controlled round shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional side elevational view of a computer-controlled round located in a breech and aligned with a restrictor plate housing.

FIG. 12 is a sectional, side elevational view of the barrel showing rifling grooves formed on its inside surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to the accompanying Figs. there is shown a launcher 10 with a modified digital range finder 70 mounted thereon that automatically controls the operation of a variable velocity control valve assembly 78 inside the launcher 10. The valve assembly 78 controls the amount of pressurized air delivered to the breech 50 holding a standard round or a computer-controlled round 300, also called a detonating round. The launcher 10 includes a main body 12 with a built-in trigger assembly 20, an external pressurized air input port 15 configured to selectively attach to an external pressurized air source 25. The launcher 10 also an internal pressurize air conduit system 17 that delivers pressurized air from the input port 15 to an internal air chamber 30.

As more clearly shown in FIG. 4, affixed to the top surface 13 of the main body 12 is a mounting bracket 18. The mounting bracket 18 includes two raised lips 19 that engage the sides of the rail 40 (see FIG. 1). Affixed to the top surface of the rail 40 is a modified digital range finder 70, described further below, configured to calculate the distance from the range finder 70 to a target and to generate a digital distance reading which is converted into a drive motor signal that controls the operation of a drive motor 110.

The rail 40, shown more clearly in FIG. 5, includes a narrow rear section 42 which is positioned over the top surface 13 of the main body 12 and a front section 44 that extends forward from the main body 12. Formed on the rail 40 is a longitudinally aligned slot 46. An USB port opening 45 is formed on the rail 40 near the narrow neck 42 in which a USB connector 120 mounted on a restrictor plate housing 80 that attaches to the front surface of the main body 12.

The range finder 70 is a modified laser range finder with a front housing 71 with two forward aimed laser sensors 72. Attached to the front housing 71 is a main microprocessor 73 configured to transform distance signals into drive motor control signals that control the drive motor 110. Attached to the main microprocessor 73 is a USB port connector 74 that connects to the USB port connector 120 extending upward from the restrictor plate housing 80. Also mounted on the front housing 72 is a rechargeable battery 75 that energizes the laser sensors 72, the main microprocessor 73 and the driver motor 110. It should be understood however, that other types of range finders may be used to provide a digital reading signal.

Attached to and extending below the rail 40 is a sliding, hollow breech 50. The breech 50 includes a longitudinally aligned tongue 52 configured to engage the lower slot 46 formed on the rail 40 enabling the breech 50 to slide longitudinally under the rail 40.

Mounted inside the main body 12 and in front of the air chamber 30 is a variable valve assembly 78 that includes a restrictor plate housing 80. As shown in FIG. 7, the restrictor plate 80 includes a center bore 82 and a USB connector slot 84 configured to receive the first printed circuit board 122 mounted on the USB port connector 120. Located inside the center bore 82 of the restrictor plate housing 80 is a restrictor plate 100 configured to rotate around its vertical axis 101. The restriction plate 100 is configured to close the center bore 82 when the restrictor plate 100 is transversely aligned inside the center bore 82.

The restrictor plate 100 is coupled to the drive shaft 112 attached to a drive motor 110 located on the front section of the main body 12 and under the restrictor plate housing 80. The drive shaft 112 extends through bores formed on the restrictor plate housing 80 and when connected to the restrictor plate 100, selectively rotates the restrictor plate 100 in a 90 degree arc. When the restrictor plate 100 is rotated to an open position (i.e. when the restrictor plate 100 is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 81 of the center bore 82), substantially all of the pressurized air delivered to the air chamber 30 can flow through the restrictor plate housing's center bore 82. When the restrictor plate 100 is rotated to a closed position, (i.e. when the restrictor plate 100 is transversely aligned with the longitudinal axis 81 of the center bore 82), 50% to 95% flow of the pressurized air in the center bore 82 is blocked.

As stated above, the USB port connector 120 which includes a connection circuit board 122, extends upward and connects to a compatible USB port connector 74 on the laser range finder 70.

The breech 50 is a hollow, cylindrical structure with a longitudinally aligned, elongated guide member 52 formed or attached to its top surface configured to engage the lower slot formed on the rail 40. During assembly, the guide member 52 fits into the slot 46 formed on the bottom surface of the rail 40 enabling the breech 50 to slide longitudinally under the rail 40. Because the front barrel section 60 is attached to the distal end of the breech 50, the breech 50 and the front barrel section 60 when connected move as a single unit. Disposed between the breech 50 and the main body 12 is a breech lock 56 that locks the breech 50 against the distal surface of the main body 12.

During operation, digital distance signals produced by the laser sensors 72 are sent to the main microprocessor 73. The microprocessor 73 is configured to convert the distance signals into drive motor control signals that are delivered to the drive motor 110 to selectively rotate the restrictor plate 100 in a 90 degree arc in the center opening 82. When the restrictor plate 100 is moved to an open position, pressurized air from the launcher's air chamber 30 can pass through and into the breech 50. When the restrictor plate 80 is moved to a closed position, movement of the pressurized air into the breach 50 is partially blocked. When the restrictor plate 100 is rotated to a partially closed position, 50 to 95% of the flow of air in the center bore is blocked.

The above launcher 10 can be used with standard rounds (called non-detonating rounds) indicated by reference number 200 in FIGS. 7 and 8. The standard rounds 200 include an end cap 210 attached to an outer shell 230. Located inside the outer shell 230 s a hollow or solid projectile 225. The outer shell 230 is configured to fit and slide inside the breech 50. When the breech 50 is closed, an end cap 210 on the round is placed against the front surface of the restrictor plate housing. The end cap 210 includes a wide bore 212. When the end cap 210 is placed against the restrictor plate housing 80, the wide bore 212 is aligned with the center bore 82 formed in the restrictor plate housing 80. During operation, pressurized air travels through the center bore 82 in the restrictor plate housing 80, through the center bore 212 formed in the end cap 240 and against the proximal end of the projectile 220.

The above launcher 10 may be easily modified for used with computer-controlled rounds 300 with a projective 330 configured to detonate at a specific time after launching or at a specific distance from the launcher 10, shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11.

In the embodiment shown in the Figs, the launcher 10 when configured to be used with computer-controlled rounds 300 includes a first ring connector 302 mounted on the proximal side of the end cap 310. A first electrically conductive, spring loaded pegs 303 press against or soldered to connectors on the printed circuit board 122 and extend longitudinally forward through an insultation block 126 and presses against the distal surface on the connector ring 302.

Formed on the end cap 310 is a center air flow bore and two pin passageways. Disposed inside the two pin passageways are peg connectors 314. The proximal ends of the peg connectors 314 press against the ring connector 302. The distal ends of the peg connectors 314 press against contacts located on a second printed circuit board 325 located on the proximal end of the projectile 330. Mounted on the second printed circuit board 325 is a second microprocessor 326. Loaded into the working memory of the second microprocessor 326 is a denotation software program 327.

The denotation software program 327 is configured to detonate the projectile 330 at different times or a desired distance from the launcher based on signals from the main microprocessor 122 and from on-board sensors 328 or 359.

More particularly, the modified end cap 310 is configured to receive digital distance related signals from the main microprocessor 122. Mounted inside the end cap 310 is a secondary printed circuit board 325 with a secondary processor 326 attached thereto, as shown in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, the computer-controlled round 300 also includes at least one velocity sensor 328 used to determine the velocity of the projectile 330 as it travels through the barrel 60. In one embodiment, the velocity sensors 328 are two hall sensors attached to the outer edges of the proximal end of the projectile 330. Mounted inside the barrel 60 are two sets of magnets 370, 380 (see FIG. 1) spaced apart a known distance inside the bore of the barrel 60. When the round 300 is discharged, the projectile 330 with the two hall sensors 328 travel down the barrel 60 and pass the two sets of magnets 370, 380, to determine the time needed to travel between the two sets of magnets 370, 380.

A software program 327 loaded into the memory of the secondary microprocessor 326, after receiving the distance information from the range finder 70, then determines the precise time when the projectile 330 will be denotate after the ballistic is fired. When the precise time is reached, a detonation signal is then sent from the secondary microprocessor 326 via wires 329 (see FIG. 11) to the explosive or gas cannister inside the projectile 330.

In both embodiments, grooves are formed on the outside surface of the outer shell 220, 330, respectively, that engage rifling grooves 67 formed on the inside surface of the barrel 60 as shown in FIG. 12. In another embodiment, the hall sensors 328, the two sets of magnets 370, 380 on the barrel and the distance calculation software program 327 loaded into the second microprocessor 326 are replaced by rotation sensors 359 mounted on the projectile 330 and a rotation-timing software program 360 configured to detonate the projectile 330 when the projectile 330 is rotated a calculated number of times. During operation, the rotation sensor 350 determine the rate of rotation of the projectile 330 as projectile 330 travels in the bore of the barrel 60. Because second microprocessor 326 receives target distance information from the range finder and receives rate of rotation data from the rotation sensor 350, the second microprocessor 325 can then calculate the number of rotations that will occur before detonation. When the maximum rotations are reaches, detonation signal is then sent from the second microprocessor 325 to the explosive cavity inside the projectile 330. In a computer-controlled ballistic 300, the second microprocessor 326 is connected either to a built-in battery, a capacitor configured to store charge from the rechargeable battery 74, or a faraday generator, also known as a setback generator.

In compliance with the statute, the invention described has been described in language more or less specific structural features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction shown comprises the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed in its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents. 

I claim:
 1. A launcher with a variable velocity valve system, comprising; a. a launcher with a compressed air or gun-power generating air source, said launcher includes a main body with an air cavity formed therein filled with pressurized air herein; b. a movable breech attached to said launcher configured to receive a ballistic and compressed air from said air cavity; c. a digital range finder configured to detect the distance from the launcher to a desired target, said digital range finder configured to produce a distance reading; d. a main microprocessor connected to said digital range finder configured to convert distance readings from said digital range finder into drive motor control signals; and e. a variable control valve assembly mounted on said main body that includes a restrictor plate housing with a center bore and with a restrictor plate mounted inside said center bore, said center bore aligned with said air cavity enabling pressurize air to flow through said restrictor plate housing, said restrictor plate configured to selectively rotate inside said center bore from a closed and opening position, said variable control assembly includes a drive motor coupled to said restrictor plate, said drive motor connected to said main microprocessor to receive drive motor control signals.
 2. The system, as recited in claim 1, further including a round located inside said breech.
 2. The system, as recited in claim 2 wherein said round is a non-computer controlled round.
 3. The system, as recited in claim 2 wherein said round is a computer-controlled round with a projectile configured to detonate as a designated time after discharge or at a designated distance from the launcher, said computer-controlled round coupled to said range finder.
 4. The system, as recited in claim 3, wherein said computer-controlled round includes a second microprocessor selectively connected to said main microprocessor when said round is placed in said breech and said breech is closed.
 5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said launcher includes a compressed air source to produce the compressed air.
 6. The variable adjustable round, as recited in claim 1, wherein said launching device a uses gun powder to produce the compress air.
 6. A projectile from a launcher travels from the launcher to a desired target wherein the launcher includes body with an internal air chamber that communities with a breech axially aligned with a barrel, a constant air pressure source configured to fill the air chamber with pressurized air sufficient to propel a projectile located inside the breech from the end of a barrel, comprising: a. mounting a range finder on the launcher a restrictor plate housing mounted on the body with a center bore that communicates with the air chamber and the breach; b. mounting a rotating restrictor plate inside the restrictor plate bore, when the restrictor plate is transversely aligned inside the restrictor plate bore, the flow of pressurized air from the air chamber to the breech is fully restricted, when the restrictor plate is rotated axially 90 degrees, the flow of pressurized air is substantially unrestricted, c. coupling a drive motor to the restrictor plate that is configured selectively rotate the restrictor plate inside the center bore to control the velocity of pressurized air flowing from the air chamber to the breech, and d. a first processor disposed between the range finder and the drive motor configured to convert distance readings from the range finder into drive motor readings to selectively rotate the restrictor plate to control the velocity of pressurized air into the breech. 